M
illedgeville has been my home for almost 10 years now and for
most of those years, The Union-Recorder has been there. From
an internship that never really ended, to my first full-time “adult” job,
this newspaper has left a forever mark on my heart. I never thought my
passion of telling people’s stories would manifest into having a second
family, building confidence and gaining a great support system. Explain-
ing being so young and having a passion for an otherwise antiquated
practice is sort of hard. But working here has made me keep the belief
that what we, journalists, designers, editors, do is important. Holding the
news in your hand is something I will forever think is important. One
of my fondest memories of my late grandmother is laughing at (with)
her about ALWAYS knowing who passed away because of the newspaper
obituaries. I would secretly look at the comics page while she found out
the latest news. At all times, there were at least a week’s worth of papers
next to her rocking chair. I will always remember that about her. I think
this is why I will fight to save the printed newspaper. So, young people, if
you’re reading this, sit down and read the newspaper at your grandpar-
ent’s house - you won’t regret it.
When I started out asking people for their memories working here, I
honestly had no idea what to expect. I was basically grasping at straws
so that I could get this publication out and going. When I started get-
ting emails from former employees, I realized that being here is being a
part of a much bigger network. There were nothing but fond memories
shared. Now granted, I know not everything was/is as hunky dorey as
on the surface - covering murders and crime can get to a person - but,
reading their letters got me thinking about how truly lucky I am to be a
part of a 200-year-old newspaper and how lucky the Milledgeville com-
munity is to have The Union-Recorder as a resource. The newsroom here
is something I am proud to be a part of. I honestly have never met a more
hardworking group of people. And I may never again meet a group quite
like this. We work hours upon hours to not only put out a daily paper,
but to do special sections, magazines and provide special content to en-
gage our audience. It’s more than just a newsource - The Union-Recorder
is YOUR local paper. I love seeing submissions of photos, letters to the
editor and press releases about local events; while we have a pulse on the
community, YOU are the community. I enjoy getting to share the news
of this community with and for you. Here’s to 200 more years of The
Union-Recorder. And thanks, readers, for making it a priority to know
what’s happening in your community.
Taylor
Taylor Hembree
Content & Design Editor
200th l 109